used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
AdanounUS /ˈeɪdə/
an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
any thing at all
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
battlefieldnounUS /ˈbætəlfiːld/
a region where a battle is being (or has been) fought
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
intentionally conceived
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
contentmentnounUS /kənˈtentmənt/
happiness with one's situation in life
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
convictionsnounUS /kənˈvɪkʃənz/
plural of “conviction” — an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
dormitorynounUS /ˈdɔːrmətɔːri/
a college or university building containing living quarters for students
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
divisible by two
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
apart from; not including
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
full-stop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
negativeadjectiveUS /ˈneɡətɪv/
characterized by or displaying negation or denial or opposition or resistance; having no positive features
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
objectivesnounUS /əbˈdʒektɪvz/
plural of “objective” — the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
and nothing more
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
in other respects or ways
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
Petruchio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
participate in games or sport
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
pluckverbUS /plʌk/
pull or pull out sharply
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
on the contrary
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
sureradjectiveUS /ˈʃʊrər/
comparative of “sure” — having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
UnhappilyadverbUS /ənˈhæpəli/
in an unpleasant way
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
precisely as stated
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
nonexistent
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And since Ada had all that she was conscious of wanting, she had a dull contentment.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
at the time that
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Unhappily, his driving powers were otherwise engaged, and his objectives were on the battlefield, his office, rather than in the dormitory which he might have turned into a home.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ada, as Peter knew when he consented to the marriage, could be led: with even surer hope of good result she could be driven, and if Sam had cared to drive, to play Petruchio with Ada, he could have turned her negative into a comparative, if not into a positive.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading |IF only Ada had had the courage of what ought to have been her convictions, things would have been very different.
zestnounUS /zest/
vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
From this reading But she hadn’t the pluck or the zest in life to be anything at all except an almost perfect negative, and a man will fight for a wife for many reasons, but not for the reason that she is a full-stop.
